Pedaling Towards a Greener Future NIH Staff Embrace Bike Commuting

​​

Under the clear blue skies of a perfect morning, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) employees enthusiastically embraced Bike to Work Day on May 19, joining over 14,000 other bicyclists in the area. With a remarkable turnout, 364 staff members had pre-registered for the event, eagerly choosing to pedal their way to Building 1, one of the over 100 designated pitstops scattered throughout the region.

Dr. Lisa Finkelstein, a devoted member of the NIH community since 2005, has been a steadfast Bike to Work Day participant. Despite her office being located at NCI-Shady Grove, Dr. Finkelstein cheerfully embarked on the 4-mile journey from her home in Kensington to join her colleagues on the bustling Bethesda campus.



Representing NIAID, Robin Eisch has been a regular bike commuter since 2007, gracefully traversing the distance from her residence in Silver Spring. Taking advantage of the recent increase in telework, she now relishes biking along the scenic seven-mile trail on her two campus commute days per week.

Gerald McGuire, hailing from NIMH, is a strong advocate for biking as his preferred mode of transportation. Opting to bike to campus two to three days a week, he predominantly pedals his way from Silver Spring. In his four years at NIH, he vividly recalls only driving to campus on a single occasion, solidifying his commitment to sustainable commuting.

Dr. Laura VanBlargan, also from NIAID, exemplifies dedication to biking by relying on her trusty two-wheeler for daily transportation to her on-campus lab. Even as she anticipates the arrival of her bundle of joy in August, Dr. VanBlargan remains resolute in her commitment to cycling.

Nurse Martina Lavrisha, employed at the Clinical Center, wholeheartedly embraced her inaugural bike commute on that memorable day. Embarking on a 20-mile journey from her residence in Vienna, VA, she viewed the experience as training for the upcoming RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). With unwavering determination, she plans to conquer the challenging 470-mile bike ride across Iowa this summer.


Upon arriving at Building 1, cyclists took full advantage of the array of services available to them. Many registered their bikes at the NIH Police tent, ensuring their two-wheeled companions were properly accounted for. Volunteer mechanics provided by Terrapin Bicycles offered inspections to guarantee the safety and efficiency of the bikes. Additionally, Silver Cycles generously donated bike shop gift cards, which were eagerly raffled throughout the morning, adding an extra dose of excitement to the event.

Co-sponsored by the Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Amenities and Transportation Services (DATS), and the NIH Bicycle Commuter Club (NIHBCC), with invaluable support from the R&W, NIH Bike to Work Day promotes not only physical fitness but also the reduction of traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Echoing the proud motto emblazoned on NIHBCC jerseys, each cyclist who chooses to bike to work becomes a powerful advocate for clean and sustainable commuting, transforming into a "non-polluter commuter" in their own right.​


​​